You’ve seen them, you’ve talked about them, and if you’re “lucky” (or thirsty) enough, you might have even tried them. Known simply as RTD (Ready To Drink), these bright, neon colored brews are all over the place. Most of us can safely say that our personal alcohol consumption consists of a mixture of carbonated drinks and a type of liquor, most notably whisky—so why turn to RTDs? Maybe you’re not ready for the hard stuff, maybe you like the lower alcohol content, or maybe because you want to try the vast new selection of flavors—we’ll leave it to you to decide.

Zearch Cocktail Alcohol Volume: 5% Taste: As the name might suggest, this one is for when you are “Zearch”-ing for the perfect RTD. A blend of Sprite-like flavor with a twist of lime, it might sound appealing at first, however, on the aftertaste it will start to sound more like a chemical’s acronym. Whatever you were “Zearch”-ing for, it ain’t here. Price: B45
Nite Eden Apple Alcohol Volume: 5% Taste: You can be blindfolded and still know what this drink’s flavor is. Extremely artificial in the flavor department, it makes you wonder how many apples it takes to get drunk. Unfortunately for those who are serious about drinking, there is not a trace of alcohol flavor left as it is killed off by the hyperactive apple flavor. If artificial is your thing, this is for you. Price: B43
Cruiser Berry Boysenberry Alcohol Volume: 5% Taste: A pure lady’s drink, Cruiser is sweet to the core with no trace of any alcohol in the drink whatsoever, other than the strange tangy feeling you get in your mouth. You are guaranteed to think of it more as a fruit juice than an RTD. Our verdict—let those girls have what they want. Price: B55
Vodka Mudshake Cappuccino Alcohol Volume: 4% Taste: Need a little extra elegance while you are walking around a club and just can’t settle for a regular fruit flavored drink? Then this is your thing, and as the price clearly shows, it might help to elevate your status. Mostly just eye-catching and nothing else, the Mudshake succeeds in tasting exactly like coffee. Price: B75
Spy Screwdriver Alcohol Volume: 5% Taste: A screwdriver is simply vodka and orange juice—no funny business. Spy got the orange juice part right, but not so much the alcohol, as this libation tastes more like a soft drink. Nice as a refreshing starter, but probably too subtle to last you the whole night at the club, even for lightweights. Price: B35
Spy Kamikaze Alcohol Volume: 5% Taste: This secret agent is not what one would expect when ordering a kamikaze. It’s sweet but lacks the true feel of the cocktail that inspired it. For the most part, its taste is a minor letdown, which may be due to the fact that they were trying too hard (or not hard enough) to get the flavor right. Being too synthetic, Spy lost all the spirit a true kamikaze can offer. Price: B35
Bacardi Breezer Raspberry Alcohol Volume: 5.6% Taste: In the world of RTDs, Bacardi Breezer has always been at the forefront of things, delivering a rainbow of flavors. This is a new one that comes with a Cherry-Aid cough syrup taste that you would only want to drink on one occasion—when you are sick. Price: B49
Smirnoff Black Ice - WInner Alcohol Volume: 7% Taste: Probably the best bet among the available selection of RTDs, Black Ice is nice and simple with no unwanted extras. It delivers a distinctive taste of lime with enough kick to actually let you know that you are consuming alcohol—and, unlike just about everything else on the market, it’s not too sweet. Black Ice is somewhat a letdown, however, if the strong medicine-like elixir is not served extra cold, as suggested on the label. Price: B55

Beauty Book

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Laura Mercier has launched a handy all-in-one makeup palette. With a selection of natural colors, Laura’s Signature Collection Book promises flawless results. The set contains three new shades of lipstick, three earthtone eye shadows and two tones of blush. B2,200. Available at Laura Mercier counters (try 1/F, Central Chidlom 1027 Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777).

Never Too Much Heaven

Looking for a new place to release your stress? The Bangkok Oasis Spa (64 Sukhumvit 31, 02-262-2122. www.bangkokoasis.com) is a new downtown facility with its roots in Chiang Mai. Indulge yourself with Oasis’ signature four hands massage at B2,500, or try its hair spa treatment at B1,800/hour. If you have a bit more time, also highly recommended is their Ayurveda package (B3,900), a pleasurable two-hour traditional East Indian oil massage .
 

Whether you want to make it into a hobby, a full-blown profession, or you just want to spruce up your living space, going beyond your monthly browsing of Wallpaper* is the first step to taking interior design a bit more seriously. Try these places for beginner classes.

Accademia Italiana

This is a brand new institute from Italy for those who are serious about interior design. (How serious? See the prices, below.) The academy offers many levels of interior design programs, ranging from a one-year basic course to a three-year advanced level course, which is a precursor to studying for a master’s degree. As for the fees, it’s B165,000 per semester plus a B60,000 enrollment fee.
998 Soi Thonglor, Klongton, Wattana 02-391-9103. Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. www.aithai.co.th.

All Step Computer Graphic Solution

Technology meets creativity at All Step, where the focus is on computer graphic programs like 3D Studio Max. Their interior design and architecture course will teach you how to create 3D models, choose materials for each model and how to set up compositions and perspectives in your work. Their 36-hour course costs B5,500 and is limited to 5-7 students per class.
2/F, Seri Center, Srinakarin Rd., 02-748-4384 ext 1, 08-6899-9921. Open Mon-Fri noon-6:30pm, Sat-Sun noon-9pm. www.allstep.net.

Bangkok CODE

This is a community for those who love art and design. They offer a variety of design courses, including “Room Planning with Style,” which teaches the basics of space and furniture arrangement, as well as color theory and lighting. For a 24-hour course, the fee is B6,300. Classes are limited to a maximum of 15 students. Other design classes include feng shui for architects, landscaping for home gardens, interior color and furniture design.
KMUTT, 231/2 South Sathorn Rd., 02-673-9434/-5, 02-470-9922, 02-211-9405, 02-211-9367. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. www.bangkokcode.com.

Din Sor See School

Din Sor See has interior design classes taught by experienced tutors in a homey atmosphere. For a basic course (12 lessons), it will cost you B2,500 (10% discount through May 9). Watercolor painting, oil painting and drawing lessons are also available. Private courses are offered at B3,000/15 hours.
Room. No. 206, 2/F, Scala Theater, Siam Square Soi 1, 02-254-7968/9. Open Mon, Wed-Fri noon-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6:30pm.

International Art School

IAS has classes to help improve your sketching, drawing and painting skills, so that you can transform your dark and gloomy room into a chic and comfy palace.
Its 33-hour “Interior Decoration 1” course covers fundamental functions and composition in interior decoration: choosing materials, writing specifications, color theory and presentation. B4,550.
Alliance Francaise, 29 South Sathorn Rd., 02-670-4200. Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm. www.alliance-francaise.or.th

Bigger and more exciting than before, the Mosaic Music Festival is back with an eclectic lineup at the Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay (1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377). Almost every music genre can be found in this 10-day event, from indie to jazz, hip hop to soul. To help the bewildered make up their minds on which shows to attend, we’re rounding up the festival, shedding light on the acts and their musical styles.

If you like jazz, don’t miss...

MAR 9. Live at Duke’s Place—The Music of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. If you dig jazz biggies like Edward Kennedy Ellington (aka The Duke), Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, this gig is for you. Duke’s grandson Paul Mercer Ellington hits the stage with vocalist Freda Payne and trumpeter Byron Stripling to pay homage to these celebrated musicians. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-148 from Sistic.

FREE - MAR 9. Urban Reunion. Malaysian act Dina merges R&B with ethnic sounds, while Indonesian vocal group Tofu performs hip hop, r&b and rap. 7pm. Nokia Music Station.

MAR 11. Feels Good by Take 6. Jazz cats who like contemporary jazz and a cappella gospel should pay a listen to Take 6. This vocal group has performed with Stevie Wonder. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-118 from Sistic.

MAR 12. Stellar Regions—Tribute to John Coltrane. With the aid of local musicians Zai Kuning, Yuen Chee Wai and Aya Sekine, band Tim O’Dwyer Trio relives the songs of late saxophonist, composer and philosopher John Coltrane. 7:30pm. Recital Studio. $25-38 from Sistic.

FREE - MAR 14. Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk. Singaporean bands Now Playing and Raindogs take the stage. Five-piece Now Playing plays addictive Japanese funk, jazz and pop while Raindogs are good at playing groovy funk, jazz and blues. 6:30pm. The Concourse.

MAR 14. Double Bill—Bridges by Tetsu Saitoh, Omar Puente and Robert Mitchell. Tetsu Saitoh will first showcase his skills with the double bass before violinist Omar Puente and pianist Robert Michell dish out jazz, Cuban and classical. 7:30pm. Recital Studio. $25-38 from Sistic.

MAR 15. Crystal Silence—Chick Corea & Gary Burton Duets. Together with vibraphonist Gary Burton, pianist and composer Chick Corea plays songs from the acclaimed album Crystal Silence. Expect intimate jazz music. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-148 from Sistic.

MAR 16. Youn Sun Nah 5: Korean jazz vocalist Youn Sun Nah shows off her sugary but powerful voice. Supporting her on stage are drummer Robin Laurent, double bassist Yoni Zelnik, vibraphonist David Neerman and pianist Benjamin Moussay. 7:30pm. Recital Studio. $25-38 from Sistic.

If you like blues and funk, don’t miss...

MAR 10. Montreux Jazz Special Concert—Tower of Power. Tower of Power started off as a duo in 1967, before growing to become a 10-piece outfit. Incorporating funk, soul and R&B in their sound, this act has played for Santana, John Lee Hooker, Phish and Aerosmith. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-148 from Sistic.

MAR 10. Terry Callier. Singer songwriter Terry Callier’s influences stem from blues, soul and folk. His lyrics are sublime, talking about humanity. You’ll be surprised to know this sensitive soul was once, of all things, a computer programmer. 10pm. Theatre Studio. $38 from Sistic.

MAR 13 & 14. Carleen Anderson. The goddaughter of James Brown and Bobby Byrd, Houston-born vocalist Carleen Anderson impresses with sincere lyrics and an absorbing sound that has elements of soul, funk, gospel and R&B. She will be supported by homegrown singer Michaela Therese on Mar 13. Mar 13, 9:30pm; Mar 14, 10pm. Theatre Studio. $38 from Sistic.

MAR 14. One Self with DJ Vadim. DJ Vadim, together with MCs Yarah Bravo and Blu Rum 13, makes cool hip hop, with hints of soul and world music. 9:30pm. DXO, #01-13F Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6582-4896. $38 from Sistic.

MAR 16. Buddy Guy. Amazing blues guitarist Buddy Guy has influenced rock giants such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. A must catch, this musician has bagged five Grammy awards. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $58-148 from Sistic.

MAR 16. Putumayo Party! With Brooklyn Funk Essentials. This 12-piece group plays funk, Latin, reggae, jazz, house, dub, electro and hip hop. Brooklyn Funk Essentials has toured with people to the likes of Jamiroquai and Ben Harper. 10pm. Theatre Studio. $38 from Sistic.

MAR 18. The Shrine of Afrobeat—Femi Kuti & The Postive Force. Nigerian composer Femi Kuti merges traditional African music with American funk and jazz. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-118 from Sistic.

If you like folk ’n pop, don’t miss...

MAR 11. José González. Combine Scandinavian indie folk with Latin and you get the heartrending sound of singer songwriter José González. His innovative covers of songs by Massive Attack, The Knife and Kylie Minogue have raised his profile. 11pm. Concert Hall. $40-58 from Sistic.

MAR 12. Rickie Lee Jones. Her sound is a refreshing concoction of talking, whispering, sobs and singing. This Grammy-winning musician mashes up jazz, soul, rock, pop, folk, spoken-word and more. 11pm. Concert Hall. $40-118 from Sistic.

MAR 15. Nerina Pallot. You’ll see traces of Sheryl Crow, Carole King, Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell in Nerina Pallot’s music. Armed with her brew of folk rock, this singer-songwriter has opened for James Blunt, Suzanne Vega and Joseph Arthur. 7:30pm, 9:30pm. Recital Hall. $25-38 from Sistic.

MAR 17. Rachael Yamagata. Endowed with a low, sultry voice, Racheal Yamagata integrates folk, indie rock, pop and jazz in her music. This cutie has been compared to Norah Jones and Fiona Apple. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $60-118 from Sistic.

FREE - MAR 17. Sasha Bach Band. Hailing from Denmark, four piece band fronted by singer songwriter Sasha Bach plays infectious rock. 7:30pm; 8:45pm. Nokia Powerhouse.

MAR 17. Tristan Prettyman. Tristan Prettyman plays upbeat and breezy folk pop and has toured with Jason Mraz. 7:30pm, 9:30pm. Recital Studio. $25-38 from Sistic.

If you like everything indie...

FREE - MAR 10. Rock Tigers. A Korean band who takes you back to ’60s rock ‘n’ roll. You’ll like them if you’re into Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent! 10pm. Nokia Powerhouse.

MAR 12. Yo La Tengo. One of the longest surviving indie rock bands, Yo La Tengo often marries noise, pop, garage and folk. This cheeky three-piece, made up of Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley and James McNew, has 15 albums under its belt, with the most recent offering being I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass. 7:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-118 from Sistic.

MAR 13. Jaga Jazzist. Bringing to mind Aphex Twin, Tortoise, Talk Talk and Soft Machine, Jaga Jazzist serves up music that spans across shoegaze, electronica, progressive rock, jazz and experimental. Local outfit The Observatory will open for this band. Miss this at your own peril. 8:30pm. Concert Hall. $40-118 from Sistic.

MAR 13. Ursula Rucker—Soul Poetry. Delving into topics such as child abuse, isolation and violence, Ursula Rucker talks her way through her songs in a poetic-like manner. Her music is laced with nu-jazz, hip hop and drum ’n’ bass. 7:30pm. Recital Studio. $25-38 from Sistic.

MAR 15. The Album Leaf. Doling out liberal amounts of moody soundscapes, The Album Leaf comprising of Jimmy LaValle, Drew Andrews, Tomothy Reece, Matthew Resovich and Andrew Pates. Cool visual artworks will accompany their music in the show. 7:30pm, 10pm. Theatre Studio. $38 from Sistic.

FREE - MAR 16. Indie-Mand. Award-winning Thai band Goose whips out post rock and indie numbers while local acts Auburn’s Epiphany and Lilac Saints wreck the amps with alternative and indie. 7pm. Nokia Music Station.

MAR 17. Futon. No stranger to gigging in Singapore, Thai band Futon concocts a stirring mix of rock, punk and pop. Listen out for catchy favorites such as “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “Gay Boy.” Supporting this act is X’Ho’s band The Fabulous IQ of David Gunn. 9:30pm. Theatre Studio. $38 from Sistic.

MAR 17. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. Hailing from Japan, members of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra like to dress up in tuxes and yell, jump madly or fight with their instruments when performing. Listen out for ska, jazz, rock and big band influences. 11pm. Concert Hall. $40-58 from Sistic.

b. there

Fans of revered French label Agnes b. will be thrilled to know that the retrospective Spring/Summer collection is now in store. One of its most diverse collections yet, look out for a myriad of styles—from rock ’n’ roll inspired t-shirts to antique linen dresses to one-piece minis to cherry print strapped dresses to swimwear featuring metallic fabrics—it’s one helluva of a collection. So what are you waiting for? Available from 2-3/F, Isetan Scotts, Shaw House, 350 Orchard Rd., 6733-5848.

Prime Time

Black, white and metallic shades of silver and gold are the main colors used in Anteprima’s Spring/Summer 2007 Collection. Showcasing a collection associated with golf, tennis, beach and horse riding, Anteprima seeks to transform the wearer into an iridescent goddess with its compliment of accessories and retro headscarves. The ready-to-wear pieces are easy to mix and match. Pair the gold belt through the classic white dress and gold woven Boston bag for instant Mischa Barton glamor; or slip into one of their fabric heels for hi-tea with friends. Available from #01-06 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6235-3996.

#01-41/42 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-8122.

Fans of high-street label River Island need not travel all the way to the UK for their fashion fix anymore. Finally, the first Southeast Asian flagship store has just opened at mammoth shopping mall VivoCity. The mood of the store is free and easy, featuring modern materials such as exposed brick, natural stone, glass and steel, juxtaposed with rows and rows of clothes that are replenished every week. For the ladies this season, look no further than the mini dresses, metallic colours and all round ’80s vibe, while for the men, dandy and smart jackets, shirts and pants are the order of the day. This should give Zara and Gap a run for their money.

Asylum

Where it is: 22 Ann Siang Rd., 6324-2289.
Who it is: Led by creative director Chris Lee, this nine-member outfit comprises a design firm and retail space located at Ann Siang Hill. Considered one of the hippest and forward-looking design firms, partly because of its various fashion and contemporary art ventures with brands like Fred Perry, Mihara Yashuhiro and Hooked Clothing.
Its philosophy: “I wanted a boutique company that could create great works for a multitude of clients because being in a big agency means that you only work for big clients,” says Lee. “I guess the big difference is that we are truly cross-disciplinary. Our projects at any one time spread from graphic to interior to interactive to environment to packaging to music, etc. We also consciously look for small interesting clients or generate projects on our own to keep us sane.”
What it’s most well-known for: Too many to name, but some of Asylum’s most prominent projects include the interiors of alfresco bar Loof, and cutting-edge designs for Microsoft and Nike. Meanwhile, hipsters love Asylum’s retail store that combines high fashion, artworks, cool mags, rare furniture and other knick-knacks.

fFurious

Where it is: 32A Sago St., 6225-0887.
Who it is: Led by creative director Little Ong, this six-member outfit works from a small office in Chinatown. Originally comprising just four members, fFurious has gone on to bigger things, and is even a resident artist for 72-13, TheatreWorks’ forward-thinking multi-media arts platform.
Its philosophy: “We started out as a group of like-minded people with a desire to better life by creativity,” says Ong. “We didn't deliberately set ourselves apart by deciding to be a certain way. On the contrary, we were open to possibilities—creativity unlimited by medium. In essence, this creates an environment of discovery, experimentation and collaboration.”
What it’s most well-known for: Over the years, fFurious has done many groovy ad campaigns for the likes for Style Asia and Centro 360, among many others. Most recently, the group’s visual graphics and interactive touch screen experiences for National Museum were the talk of town. fFurious’s art contributions to last year’s Fiction@Love exhibition at Singapore Art Museum and Spotlight Singapore in Tokyo are also noteworthy.

&Larry

Where it is: #04-01, 74 South Bridge Rd., 6536-0332.
Who it is: Led by creative director Larry Peh and Yeow Yeong, this tight newbie was formed only in 2005. But their clean and simple ad campaigns and designs have come a long way.
Its philosophy: “Our works are all about observing all the important trends—ranging from design, fashion, architecture to art—understanding them, taking them very seriously and totally ignoring or forsaking them in search of the most honest ideas and solutions that go beyond answering a brief,” states Peh. “Our designs boast a modern, timeless appeal, with each project meticulously crafted to achieve a seemingly effortless design.”
What it’s most well-known for: Movie buffs will identify with &Larry’s sleek, simplistic yet effective design for the movie poster of Royston Tan’s 4:30. But its most prominent project to date is last year’s Christmas ad campaign for iFourum, which attempted to ditch the Martha Stewart D-I-Y approach for something simpler, focusing on the beauty of the imagination. It was an instant hit.

Bunch

Where it is: 72 Monk’s Hill Terrace, 6734-9752.
Who it is: Greater than the sum of parts, Bunch brings together a group of collective talents from various corners of the world—with Singaporean Chris Lim and Portuguese Paolo Silva based in Singapore. Its nine individual members offer distinctive approaches to design and diverse areas of design expertise, with two other offices in London and Zagreb.
Its philosophy: “Our broad client base, which comprises clientele such as Sony, Coca Cola, BBC, and Diesel, is witness to our nature of design,” says Lim. “It underscores the diversity which creativity calls for. By not sticking religiously to a house style, as is the fate of many a design group, we have managed to remain versatile over the years; as opposed to falling into any particular industry, product, discipline or aesthetic. Bunch live work and play in a global fashion. So often is the case, a brief, big or small, will come back from all three corners of the world with vibrant takes on it each time. This enables us to deliver within borders what’s needed without pandering to any cultural trends.”
What it’s most well-known for: The recent Promax UK 2006 Conference & Awards. Bunch’s print, interactive mailers and set designs for the conference and award ceremony created a consistent and striking identity for the event. Other notable clients for the group include Resfest and DHR.

Beastie Boys: Known also for wearing matching outfits when performing, Beastie Boys have bagged Grammys, shared stages with Madonna and influenced many artistes with their trademark hip hop. And who can forget their catchy songs like “Ch-Check It Out?” This show sees them collaborating with Mix Master Mike and Money Mark. Just seeing these guys perform will make your ticket worth.

Cut Copy: If you like disco, post punk and pop, this Aussie band is worth a catch. Dan Whiford, Tim Hoey and Mitchell Scott make up this three-piece act.

Cicada: UK electronic band Cicada has remixed for Depeche Mode and New Order. On the list of their renowned singles include “Electric Blue” and “Cut Right Through.”

Ursula 1000: Hailing from Big Apple, Alex Gimeno’s (aka Ursula 1000) sound has elements of (almost) everything, from jazz to electro, latin to bossa nova, psychedelia to glam rock.

DJ Dan: This leading DJ has wrecked dance floors with Carl Cox, Moby, David Bowie, Tiesto, John Digweed and Busta Rhymes. If you need a jab of good dance music, catch his set.

Mad Mats: Ready yourself for some insane fun with Swedish DJ Mad Mats. His sound cuts across house, hip hop, broken beats, funk, latin, retro and jazz.

Spiritual South: Mark Robertson, or Spiritual South, laces his music with liberal amounts of Latin and samba. If big sounding music is your love, look out for him.

Electrico: Homegrown pop rock band has familiar songs like “I Want You” and “All the World.”

Wicked Aura Batucada: Watch out for addictive beats from local percussion ensemble Wicked Aura Batucada.

Visual Feast: Besides music, party goers can enjoy works by local visual creatives Phunk Studio, CAPT and Telephasic Images. Of noteworthy mention is international prolific graphic artist Rostarr, who has worked with Nike, Gravis and Agnès b. Together with local artists, he will design a Subaru car which will be exhibited on the day itself.

Al Majlis

83/8, Soi Charoen Chai, Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-392-2345. Open daily 12:30pm-12:30am. www.almajlis-tearoom.com.
Originally built as a tearoom, there is also an alfresco area with a wine bar. Playing soft lounge music at conversation-friendly levels really makes this place more for romantic whispering than for riotous groups of buddies. You might hear the next table’s dirty talk, but then again, they might hear yours.

Shades of Retro

Next to Playground!, 08-1824-8011. Open Tue-Sun 2pm-midnight.
Retro shrine to the 50’s to the 70’s. The music is jazz and rock tunes from the golden age of these styles proudly played from the owner’s own collection. Everything in the house is up for sale. Though it claims to be a furniture shop, many chic young people occupy the venue. Remember, being a phuu dee means talking in a low voice—you’ll find no shouting here.

Sripoom

95 Chakrapong Rd., 02-281-4445. Open daily 9-1am.
This two-story bar serves Illy coffee and yummy cocktails day in and day out. Khao San tourists will pop in to read their Asian-themed pocketbooks or just chat with their friends. But Bangkokians come here too, for the slightly retro décor, the art exhibits and the good drinks. For the ultimate quiet, go to the second floor when it’s empty.

THE ZUK BAR

Lobby Level, The Sukhothai Hotel, South Sathorn Rd., 02-344-8725. Open daily Mon-Sat 4pm-1am, Sun noon-midnight.
Friendly, bright and airy hotel bar with conversational-friendly lounge music spun by a DJ right there behind the counter with the bartenders. Find young bachelors and late-night executives luring their dates out or finishing up smoking deals in the area—but all of it very hush hush.

Don’t let your skin get dry and unhealthy, guys. Get your smooth baby skin back with the new NIVEA Body for Men Refreshing Moisturizing Repair. Its special formula and scent are exclusively designed for men. Enriched with vitamin E, aloe vera and glycerin, the lotion should make you the hottest boy in town. B159 for 400ml. Available at every branch of TOPS supermarket (Try TOPS Robinson Silom, 2 Silom Rd., 02-632-7525. www.tops.co.th.)

Working too hard? Rebalance and recharge your skin with a daily anti-fatigue moisturizer from Biotherm Homme. It contains concentrated moisture extracted from pure ginseng and oligo-vitamins. Once absorbed, the moisturizer will energize your face and lessen your wrinkles. Effective, but pricey—for a 50ml bottle, it will cost you B2,050. Available at Biotherm counters (Try M/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama1 Rd., 02-610-7759. www.biotherm.com.)